Hi Susan, Congrats on the first year coming up. Glad everything is now in working order and you are good to go. You sure have had quite a year. Keep doing good and don't forget HVJ. I still look around a little or help someone else out like Little Gabriel with the heart transplant. Keep doing good. Hugs

Well Susan, you have been through a lot this past year but you are right- the Lord has been with you every step of The way. So glad you are doing well. We just returned from a trip to Israel where I truly felt God's presence as we walked the Sea of Galilee and Mt of Olives! God is good!

Hello Susan. I am sorry I didn't get in a Happy Birthday to you on your Birthday on the 22nd. I hope you had a good one and that as your healing continues so do all of those Birthdays. I hope you're making it through your treatments well. Both you and Gabi were two of the people I received support from from the beginning of my own journey here at HVS and I want you to know how instrumental you have been and continue to be with your zest for life, fighting spirit and Faith in helping myself and others face walking on this path. You helped me take on some of that "Attitude" necessary to make it through and when things get a little "sticky"
I rarely miss thinking of your photos, the beauty that IS you and keep moving on!
Continue to fight the fight and know my heart as well as others is with you gaining strength from all the love and prayers as your continue on! Please keep us posted.

Susan, Susan, Susan! I am shocked at this news, my darling biddy friend. This is such a lot to cope with, my mended heart goes out to you to help you through this latest setback. Please let us know how things are going for you my lovely Susan.

Well, Susan, you certainly have found a way to extend this heart valve journey now, haven't you! Losing weight, another surgery, radiation, I don't know what to say! You inspire me with your attitude. Keep it up, we are all behind you. Also, keep shopping, I believe it is a powerful form of aerobic exercise that you should fully commit to.

All the very best to you as you face this head-on and put it behind you.
So glad your heart and lungs are well. Keep moving forward.

Susan Smith Thanks JIm, 2014 was the "mother of all years" for me, at least medically. I had my first radiation therapy today and so far so good. How are you doing. ... Read more

Susan Smith Thanks JIm, 2014 was the "mother of all years" for me, at least medically. I had my first radiation therapy today and so far so good. How are you doing. Still running and if so how far? Tomorrow is my birthday and I am grateful for at least one more or more... All my best to you and Lise.

Jim Jones Happy, happy birthday, Susan! Here is to many more for all of us! Keep updating us on your progress. I am looking for good news for you in 2015. Hi and love ... Read more

Jim Jones Happy, happy birthday, Susan! Here is to many more for all of us! Keep updating us on your progress. I am looking for good news for you in 2015. Hi and love from Lise (and me!). I continue to run. Ran two races this month. Both 5Ks. Placed in my age group - 3rd in one race and 2nd in the other. I train 5-6 days a week. You have a great week, my heart buddy.

On January 19, 2015...

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Susan that says:

Hi Susan, So sad to read this about you. You sure have been thru the mill, a lot more than a lot of us. I will keep you in my prayers. Glad your heart is doing good that will help you get thru all of this. God will take care of you just like he did when you had heart surgery. My best to you
Love and hugs

Susan Smith Linda and Elsie, Bossie and I are really doing okay in spite of everything that has been going on. I have been blessed with family and friends. I am back ... Read more

Susan Smith Linda and Elsie, Bossie and I are really doing okay in spite of everything that has been going on. I have been blessed with family and friends. I am back to work (part time) and I do feel good. I had the 1st radiation treatment today and I have 34 to go. I go see the surgeon for the last surgery next Tuesday and I believe I will be discharged and then no more doctors till March- wow!, Well except the cute radiation oncologist doctor. I guess I am not totally over the hill, cause he is attractive and has a great sense of humor. I do have to remember he is my sons age (53). Hope you are doing well too. Take care

On January 18, 2015...

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Susan that says:

Hello Susan. Sorry to hear you are having so much to deal with but glad to hear your heart is doing well. This is a very good thing. I was wondering if you know where you will be on the day of your Birthday and if you would mind contacting me at my email address passing along an address where I can send you something?
My email is: tsyvertsen1@sbcglobal.net. Continue to fight the fight and to heal!
Sending all the positive healing energy and prayers one possible can!

Susan,
Wow you've had quite a year! Your body has taken a beating! Hope things are better in 2015! Have fun shopping! I'm doing fine and had a good echo 13 months after my surgery. My mom had the new TAVR procedure in Dec. and did very well. Take care.

So this is why you have been very quite! This sucks that you have been struggling with all this stuff my dear friend. So sorry! Sending loving energy to keep you in a positive and healing mode, get ready to accept a blessing! All love and prayers coming your way!

Gabrielle Stinson Actually, I too am suffering a bit Susan! Bladder infection since Jan this year and now a case of the Shingles! Yes bloody Shingles! So It is like 'Shingle ... Read more

Gabrielle Stinson Actually, I too am suffering a bit Susan! Bladder infection since Jan this year and now a case of the Shingles! Yes bloody Shingles! So It is like 'Shingle bells, shingle bells, shingle all the way for this pissed off biddy! Keep in touch my dear friend. Love from Gabi x

On November 1, 2014...

Carol Jackson posted a note for Susan that says:

Susan, glad to hear your heart is "ticking" along. Sorry to hear about all the other health issues. I will keep you in my prayers. I celebrated my 1 year anniversary on Oct . 8 and am doing great! Now I am helping my mom with her valve issues. She just had an angiogram and found no blockages. She is now on the list to have the TAVR procedure- replacement of aortic valve without OHS. Keep her in your prayers.

Hello Susan. Terrie here. Wondering what you are up to and how your recovery is
doing. Haven't seen any recent posts. Hope all is progressing and you are out there enjoying life...drop a post if you get some time it would be good hearing what you are up to! Thinking of you.

Susan Smith Yes, I am and because I can't drive for 6 weeks, I have had call in my family for help. My sister is here till 10/7 and then my cousin is coming in on Oct. 7 till November 1st. They are my heros.

Some people will do Anything for attention! And you know what? I aint sayin' nothin'!! Even though you gave me the biggest blast after my Zumba session! Susan darling you are great, everyone just loves you - please just calm down a notch, enjoy your sister's company and heal your heel and heart!

Susan Smith Guess I am supposed to say "I am sorry for blasting you on the Zumba session. So here goes. I am sorry." What a mess I am. At least my heart is behaving ... Read more

Susan Smith Guess I am supposed to say "I am sorry for blasting you on the Zumba session. So here goes. I am sorry." What a mess I am. At least my heart is behaving and doing just fine. Wait till I go the cardiologist on a walker with a boot cast on my leg. LOL that is probably what he will do. Love u Gabi, you always make me smile.

Gabrielle Stinson Oh don't hold back with just the walker and boot cast! I am thinking neck brace, arm slings, oxygen tank and eye patch! If you have any removable teeth - ... Read more

Gabrielle Stinson Oh don't hold back with just the walker and boot cast! I am thinking neck brace, arm slings, oxygen tank and eye patch! If you have any removable teeth - leave 'em at home as well! Milk it for all its worth I say. Lemme know how that works for you ;-) X

Susan Smith I tried to milk it for all it was worth and I found out no one cares. LOL , Seriously how you doing with your afib? Is Xeralto treating you right? My leg will heal. Lots of Love Your ole biddy friend

On September 16, 2014...

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Susan that says:

Hi Susan, Good to hear that you are doing a lot better. When they removed the fluid in my lungs while in the hospital, he did not take all of it. Left just a little said it was better that way. Hey have fun at the wedding a good time well deserved. Take care friend.

Hello Susan. I am glad to read that you are back online and doing so well. I wrote several times but with the new changes in format have had trouble picking up with some of the group I began and went thru surgery with. So bottom line it is really good to know how you are doing. I hope you have a really good time at the upcoming Wedding and very happy you will have some exciting times with your Family. You take are and if you ever want to connect off the site you are welcomed to get in touch with me at:(tsyvertsen1@sbcglobal.net) Take care Terrie

Hi Susan was concerned with no post, glad to hear you are on the mend. Hang in there I am 6 months out and finally fully recovered, it's a long road but when you consider the alternative it's not so bad.

Julia Hsu Yes, I am doing well. Today is my 4 month anniversary. I feel much more normal than at 3 months.

On September 14, 2014...

Gabi x posted a note for Susan that says:

Yah Susan you're back!!! Welcome! Glad you have surfaced out of your shell and that you are doing well. I don't much like change, and am a bit impatient with the new format here! Showing my age a bit as I know older people don't like change! Just lovely to have you back and very interested in the wedding of the year! You are gunna shine!

Susan Smith Dear Gabi, I am back and like you said. Us older folks don't like change, but I guess I will get used to it. Missed you.

Terrie Syvertsen Susan. Age has nothing to do with it silly. The site changed and we have to do our best to keep up with the changes to keep in touch with each other. Gabi and ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Susan. Age has nothing to do with it silly. The site changed and we have to do our best to keep up with the changes to keep in touch with each other. Gabi and I aren't going to lose you,ha ha. Really hope you have a great time at the wedding and keep updating us! Time is moving quickly and the healing continues! You take care! Love, Terrie

Hope you are doing better and your lung capacity has improved. It's been a while since I've heard anything about you, so I'm a bit concerned. I don't always post on here but I read what different people post and ensure prayers for all that need it. It really is a beautiful blessing to have this group of people to relate to. Much prayer for you!

Dear Susan, Haven't heard from you in awhile and I am wondering what and how you are doing? How are the lungs doing? Are you working with any physical therapy? How are your Kitties doing? Overall, are things getting better for you?
I have been home 12 days from the Hospital. Really surprised at the uselessness
feelings since I can't seem to get out of my own way but I am looking to all of you who have shared your stories to keep in mind how things change as we go and looking forward. Hope your lungs have gotten into better shape Lady. Drop me a line if you get a moment with an update on how you are doing please?! Thinking of you heart Sister. Love Terrie-

Hello there Susan. Terrie here! Just got out of the hospital and got lost trying to figure out how to get in and out to the people at our site.
Worried about you and your beautiful lungs while I was inside and wanted to let you know now that I am home I want to catch up and see how much progress it seems you are now making with the right lung? I missed chatting back and forth before I got into the hospital and used a lot of what you gave me a heads up to while in the hospital. So now that I think I am getting the hang of the site again I will be tracking you down to get updates, please? Stay strong and I will be here with you getting stronger and through this healing process. Take care Lady! Love to you and gentle, very gentle hugs sent your way tonight. Love, Terrie

You have waited a while for this appointment, so I am glad they are going to take care of you today. I hope they get it all, and make sure they keep a close eye on you going forward so you don't have a recurrence. Time to feel really good and strong now. Continue to heal, my thoughts are with you.

I am sorry this fluid continues Susan . Did you mean it's not very much fluid or it is very much fluid? I hope it's not much cause that seems like a long time to wait to see your pulmonary dr if it's a lot of fluid!!!!
I'm sorry your sister had to have another surgery!! But am glad she's ok. It must be so hard not to be with her. But you do need to really care for yourself right now !! Please take care and thinking continued healing thoughts for you... And your sister !!

Yes you are a trouper Susan. This is annoying the fluid is persisting on gathering in your lungs. It is not what we want to hear. However, your attitude is one of gratitude and I admire you for that! Treat yourself softly, gently and kindly. Your sister will look forward to your calls and you can encourage one another..

Hello Heart Sister & Buddy, and of course Hello to Frances the Cat.
Just left a response to you in my guestbook! I wanted to wish you luck with your test tomorrow and hope and pray it all turns out well. It is time it did, eh? Thank you for the kind words about my journal post and hope you read my response to you as you are important to me! Take care and I look forward to an update on tomorrow. God Bless!

I am glad you have good doctors, Susan, who are looking out for you and suggesting the right procedures. Hope all goes well with the lung specialist. I was released by the surgeon last week and won't be able to see the cardiologist until Aug 18, but I have a visiting nurse once a week who checks on vitals and lung sounds. So far, so good. Day 21 post surgery, and every day is so much easier. Still don't have my arms completely back, but getting there! Take good care of yourself.

Susan Smith I didn't get my arms back fully until about 6 weeks. Glad you are moving forward in your recovery. Bless you.

On August 3, 2014...

Terrie posted a note for Susan that says:

Hello Susan. Sorry to hear you have to have another test but good to know you are still being checked on thoroughly! Best of luck with the ultrasound on Wed. and we will be waiting for another post hoping you feel well and continue on and with your recovery.
Take care Lady, you can do this until it levels out to healthy lungs and heart AND feeling better soon!

Susan Smith Terrie, please take care of yourself as well. I will be fine and I trust God to do His thing as He watches over us all.

On August 3, 2014...

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Susan that says:

Mercy Susan, You sure have been thru the mill. Here hoping the ultra sound comes out clear. Hope everything else is going good. Maybe Bossie is doing something down there and wants her picture taken. What do you think? lol
Good luck. Hugs and prayers.

Susan Smith Linda and Elsie, Bossie is doing fine, but my right lung is complaining. Hopefully things will level out and I will be feeling 100%. Thanks for the hugs and prayers and I send them back to you.

Hi Susan,
It took me a good week before I felt good after my fluid around my left lung was removed ! The difference now is amazing and after 4 months since my surgery, I can finally start my cardiac rehab program!
Am wishing continued recovery for you!!! Keep me posted please!

Susan Smith Thanks Lynn for the encouragement. Can't wait to feel 100%. Let us all know how the rehab goes.

On July 28, 2014...

Terrie posted a note for Susan that says:

Hello Susan-
How are the lung's dong? I hope you are on the mend.
You mentioned that they gave you a "shot" while you were in for your lung of insulin? I wonder why that was if you haven't tested before?
Might be you were registering numbers because of the stress you were going through and you were higher than normal. Who knows? Are you pre-diabetic? Just curious. The fact they didn't address it when you were there probably means nothing but I would ask out of curiosity.
One of the reasons my weight Is off is that I am a stress eater. I eat well but like for the past three weeks I have been off my plan due to having 3 teeth removed and having to be careful not to irritate or cause infection with the surgery coming up.
I also stepped away from the bike that I had been on for the past year daily most weeks with the exception of weekends off. It makes a difference to get some kind of exercise in.
Also all the Dr. appts. that came up just made things hard to eat correctly.
Different tests, blood work, through off any kind of schedule but it seems things finally calmed down and now it is full on to the surgery on the 20th. I am looking forward to having it over with.
I see you are still dealing with anxiety and apprehension now and then and I think that is to be understood with the recent lung issues, don't you?
You have come a long way and also been very helpful to those of us who come onto the sight for support and just to touch base so thanks so much.
I understand there are many who experience the same thing after surgery for quite some time depending on how there recovery is going.
I hope you won't be too hard on yourself when it hits but that you are able to be feeling so much better soon that it finally takes a "hike".
I am going to continue to eat right too and hope, like you. I present the best person I can be mentally and physically
for surgery.
I just bought a book that someone online here suggested for our buddy "Steven" called "Little ways to Keep Calm And Carry on" It is 20 lessons for managing worry, anxiety, and Fear by Mark A. Reinecke, PH.D.
I am finding it helpful, I bought it at Barnes and Noble but it can be ordered on Amazon too. Small book but power packed and worth the $15.00 but I think you can find them used cheaper. (Just a thought).
Anyway, take care of yourself and I hope that your lungs continue to grow stronger and you feel better as a result real soon.
Thanks for the good thoughts.

Susan Smith I will check out the book. I had my first session with the Therapist and she says I am not crazy (that's good to know) and this is not to uncommon with major ... Read more

Susan Smith I will check out the book. I had my first session with the Therapist and she says I am not crazy (that's good to know) and this is not to uncommon with major events such a surgery. So I will work to get over the anxiety and apprehension. God's blessings .

On July 27, 2014...

Love from Gabi x posted a note for Susan that says:

Awww! you not gunna take in a Zumba class? That's OK I am glad one of us has some sense!

Susan Smith I sometimes think I need more common sense, but who knows dear lady. I am still fighting apprehension and anxiety every now and then. Gabi have a super great day.

On July 27, 2014...

Terrie posted a note for Susan that says:

Good afternoon Susan.
Hope you are still doing well since the last good news and your "fluids" are behaving!
I never mentioned it but I am extremely impressed at your weight loss prior to your surgery and that you have maintained and lost inches since which can only be wonderful for that heart of yours!
I keep beating myself up lately for not having lost more weight as my time is coming up and I really have to admit that I didn't do all that I could have to lose more.
So here I am doing the best that I can and happy I haven't put any weight back on while losing slowly still but not what I had hoped.
The surgeons say they work on all sizes but we all know it is better to have the weight under control. Only makes sense. So I am looking at continuing on the path I have been on at present since it will also be a healthy one for after I can get home to recover.
Think the hardest part is not doing the physical stuff I was doing months ago due to the heart changes and being introduced to the world of "insulin".
Not complaining just learning new ways to Manage! So I may be hitting you up for the latest "tips from Susan" when I get home, LOL.
You take care and keep us posted as I enjoy hearing about your recovery. Gives us incentive to "Keep on Tickin"

Susan Smith Anytime I can help with weight loss I will be glad to. I am still over weight and am seeking ways to continue to loose weight. You indicated that you are ... Read more

Susan Smith Anytime I can help with weight loss I will be glad to. I am still over weight and am seeking ways to continue to loose weight. You indicated that you are a diabetic. Interesting that the second Hospital stay (9 days) with fluid in my right lung, they kept doing insulin checks on me and occasionally they would give me a shot, but I am not diabetic. When I was discharged my insulin was normal and they did not check it again. Hmmm. You are doing great and have a super good day.